He said: “I am very pleased to become a member of the United Kingdom Independence Party.”

“I began being interested some months ago when I spoke to Nigel Farage about my plans.”

“It is fantastic to be involved with a party which is moving ahead and challenging the other main parties at all levels.”

“We have been let down badly by Labour in Doncaster over the years and I want to be part of improving Doncaster in the future”.

Coun Coddington was formerly leader of the Liberal Democrats, but resigned from the party in January.

In his resignation letter Mr Coddington cited the ‘shabby’ treatment of fellow Liberal Democrat member and Bessacarr councillor, Monty Cuthbert, as one of the reasons for his departure.

Mr Coddington is now the town’s third UKIP councillor, following on from the election of Paul Bissett and Fred Gee who both represent the Edenthorpe, Kirk Sandall and Barnby Dun ward.

A UKIP spokesman said: “We are delighted that Paul has joined us and we are sure that, because the only thing UKIP insists on at local level is that councillors work and vote solely in the interests of their constituents,

Paul will be able to continue to provide outstanding service to Bessacarr ward residents now and in the future without fear or favour.”